We take a trip to Forest Rec for a slice of cake - the finest sweet treat of them all...
Wordsworth wrote an Ode to Duty, Schiller wrote an Ode to Joy, Keats wrote an Ode to Autumn. And in the spirit of the great poets, I dedicate this an Ode to Carrot Cake, both my favourite and objectively the best cake out there.
This food review centres around Homemade Cafe, home to Nottingham’s best carrot cake, and many other cakes for that matter. Based inside Forest Recreation Ground, Homemade is (in my humble opinion) a hot spot when it comes to baked goods. Serving freshly baked cakes every day, alongside brunch and lunch options, you can get your hands on the likes of sticky toffee and ginger cake, Biscoff cake, raspberry and lemon cake, and many more.
It’s worth noting that this fine establishment also serves a range of gluten free options, and in an unlikely turn of events, they are very good. Gone are the days of dry, slightly stale-tasting gluten free treats - these cakes are spongy, flavoursome, and appealing to even the gluten eaters among us. Quite an achievement.
Full of dogs, park runners, and young families, the cafe always has a cheerful and pleasant vibe
Back to the point of this review though - the strength of Homemade’s carrot cake lies in its icing, which is the make or break factor when it comes to this particular pudding. Homemade succeed in making some of the most delicious icing I’ve ever tasted, and they’re generous with it too, slathering a thick layer of buttercream on and in the cake. The sponge itself is warm, delicate, and tasty - flawless every time I’ve had it. Finished with a garnish of walnuts, it’s a work of art.
Full of dogs, park runners, and young families, the cafe always has a cheerful and pleasant vibe. The staff are friendly and chatty, and always willing to recommend their favourite bake. Will I be back? Only every week.
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